内容正文:
2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题
外刊阅读理解训练53
——改编自Heart and soul
【文章】
Attempts to link personality traits with musical preferences have previously failed due to small sample sizes and culturally homogenous samples. However, a recent study by Jason Rentfrow at Cambridge University and Gideon Nave of the University of Pennsylvania indicates that personality traits can indeed predict musical preferences.
To ensure a diverse sample size, the researchers recruited 22,252 participants from around the world through the internet, with 45% being over 22 years old. Participants were presented with 25 excerpts of music that had been assessed and classified by expert musicologists. Each participant then completed a standard personality test to rate their level of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
The study found that openness was associated with a preference for “sophisticated” music, which is characterized by being inspiring, complex, and dynamic. Conversely, individuals who scored high in openness showed a lack of appreciation for “mellow” and “contemporary” music. Extroverts displayed a preference for “unpretentious” music that was uncomplicated, relaxing, and acoustic. Agreeable individuals rated all music clips highly, regardless of genre, while those with elevated neuroticism scores rated everything negatively. Interestingly, only conscientiousness failed to predict musical taste in any way.
This study provides evidence that personality traits can predict musical preferences when a large and diverse sample is used. It suggests that people with certain personality traits may be drawn to different styles of music. For example, individuals who score high in openness may prefer music that is more complex, while extroverts may prefer acoustic and relaxing music. However, it is important to note that not everyone will fit into these categories, and factors such as personal experiences and cultural background may also influence musical preferences.
【重